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Jury Announced for Tasmanian Gothic Short Script Challenge 2017

Stranger With My Face...

The annual competition is open to amateur and professional screenwriters worldwide and encourages original horror storytelling

Hosted by Stranger With My Face International Film festival, this one of a kind competition asks registered participants to write a new horror script of 7 pages or less within 48 hours—this year from 8-10 September. Registrations are open until 7 September.

Scripts are judged on the originality of the premise and/or the story's resonance. Screenwriting craft and writing quality will be considered as secondary criteria, ensuring that novice screenwriters and experienced screenwriters are able to compete side by side.

Three unique prompts must be incorporated by each writer into their scirpts, inspiring idiosyncratic results!

For example, one challenger in 2016 had to write a script using a tuxedo (object), an architect (character), and the “Only in your dreams” (phrase). Another had to incorporate a mushroom (object), a misogynist (character) and “Don't break It” (phrase).

“The challenge is first and foremost an enjoyable creative exercise,” says organizer Briony Kidd. “Whether or not you're aiming to end up with a produceable script, we encourage participants to push the boundaries of their imaginations. Our interpretation of horror is extremely broad so participants can feel free to experiment as much as they like within that loose framework.”

LITTLE LAMB

Several successful short films have resulted from past Script Challenges, including Heidi Lee Douglas's Little Lamb from the inaugural year, which went on to screen at top genre festivals including Fantastic Fest, and Hannah White's Blood Sisters, which debuted directed by Caitlin Koller and Lachlan Smith at Stranger With My Face in 2017 and is now on the festival circuit.

The top prizes to be awarded in 2017 are Best Australian Script and Best International Script. The following runner-up prizes will also be awarded:

• Tasmainian Award – for a script that engages with Tasmania as a location
• Miss Havisham Award – for a script that engages with gender issues
• Rebel Award – for a script that subverts conventions or challenges the status quo
• The Trifecta Award – for a script that cleverly incorporates the three prompts
The Best Australian and Best International winners will receive trophies and other prizes. These scripts will be read by professional actors and streamed to a worldwide audience in September or October 2017 (subject to discussions with the winners). Other awards and prizes may also be given.

BLOOD SISTERS

Registrations for the 2017 Tasmanian Gothic Short Script Challenge are now open and will close at 11PM (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) on 7 September.

The Challenge writing period is from 8PM 8 September 2017 until 8PM 10 September 2017. Entry is AU$20 or AU$30 if requesting script notes.